For most people thinking about retirement, either at home or overseas, budget is a key factor.
In my more than 30 years of traversing the globe scouting out retirement havens I’ve found hundreds of places that are friendly on the pocketbook but don’t tick all the other boxes on my checklist… factors like safety, quality health care, entertainment options, welcoming community, and solid infrastructure.
For a destination to meet my criteria, it has to be a lot more than simply affordable. It has to be somewhere you would want to spend time. Where you would be not just comfortable but happy, excited, entertained, and safe. It’s how my team and I at Live And Invest Overseas select the destinations we recommend to our readers.
For those with an eye on both the bottom line and big adventure, Asia can be a great choice. Not only does it offer some of the world’s most cost-friendly expat havens, it’s also a land of rich culture, stunning natural beauty, and friendly locals.
Here are three destinations in this exotic wonderland where North Americans can enjoy a rich retirement on a monthly budget as low as $1,200…
A three-hour drive from Thailand’s capital, Bangkok, takes you to the royal resort town of Hua Hin.
This Gulf of Thailand locale, once a quiet fishing village, saw a change in its fortunes in the 1920s when the Thai royal family identified it as the ideal spot to build a palace for summer escapes from sizzling Bangkok.
Well-heeled locals followed suit, lured by town’s four-mile stretch of beach, cooling sea breezes, and laidback pace of life.
In the decades since, Hua Hin has established itself as a well-developed retirement haven offering excellent health care, housing options ranging from compact condos to beachfront villas and gated communities, and a large expat community and hospitality industry that mean getting by in English is no problem.
There’s also no shortage of entertainment options here, from kite-surfing to golf, pickleball to paddle-boarding, you can be as active as you please. You’ll also find a wide range of social groups happy to welcome new members with interests ranging from running and cycling to wine tasting and reading.
Depending on lifestyle choices, a couple could live comfortably here on a budget of $1,850 a month—which includes monthly rent of a centrally-located, furnished, one-bedroom condo at $690. Opt for a three-bedroom villa with a private pool—$1,200 a month—and your overall budget will sit closer to $3,000 a month.
In 1893, when Vietnam was part of the French colony known as French Indochina, famed physician Dr. Alexandre Yersin was sent into the country’s highlands in search of a cool-weather retreat for the colony’s French population. He found just what he was
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When the temperatures are dropping across the US and you’ve made it through the stress of the holidays, you may find yourself in desperate need of a vacay. But when it comes time to look at flights, and maybe trip packages, you may notice something when you start to type “D-o-m” into the search bar: instead of flights to the Dominican Republic, you see flights to Dominica. Maybe you’ve heard of the island, or maybe it’s your first time — or maybe you didn’t even know that Dominica and the Dominican Republic were two different countries.
Have you ever fantasized about quitting your job and moving to a place where it’s so affordable that you don’t need to work? Or perhaps you just want to move out of the U.S. to live out your dream life overseas.
With its pulsing, modern cities, beautiful rural landscapes and world-renowned cuisine, Japan is one of the top stops for travelers seeking a fully immersive Asian experience. And there's good news: travelers dreaming of a long-awaited trip to Japan need wait no longer – after establishing some of the world’s strictest border control policies during COVID-19, Japan has opened visa-free travel for visitors from most countries.
“Daisy,” I say, eyeing the snowy peaks rising heroically before us. “I’ve a feeling we’re not at sea level any more.” The little terrier sniffs at a biting cold wind. Imposing peaks called the Towers of Astraka dwarf the small hamlet of Papigo, which is perched at roughly 1,000 metres and reached by a road of hairpin turns.
After a long pandemic pause, interest was very high as Japan welcomed back tourists this year. 2024 promises to be even stronger for this unique destination, but North Americans have an advantage with earlier seasonal starts and expanded seat capacity from Air Canada.
Call it “Viking swimming,” “freezing plunges,” "polar plunge," “ice swimming” or “bear plunges,” among other names. It can be done in groups or by yourself, naked, in swimsuits or in costume and generally wearing a warm hat since, after all, it is a winter activity and very popular at this time of the year. Even a Santa hat seems appropriate.
A dream road trip requires not only cool destinations but inspiring travel along the way. Ask dedicated skiers and snowboarders what their dream trip looks like and you’re bound to hear the phrase “Powder Highway” come up more than once. The 630-mile stretch runs along Route 95A through British Columbia and into Alberta, with dozens of ski resorts and even more options for backcountry touring en route. South of the border, the US has a similar stretch of road – albeit one that runs north to south without nearly as much fanfare: US Highways 191 and 89 from Bozeman, Montana, to Ogden, Utah.
Portable coffee makers are a game-changer for travelers, allowing you to enjoy a great cup anywhere, anytime. When brewing coffee on the road, you need convenience, transportability, and quality. A variety of products are available to suit different preferences and budgets. Some coffee travel tools can brew espresso, while others are capable of making drip coffee, cold brew, or simply keep your beverage hot in a travel coffee mug. These products were designed with travelers in mind, offering an easy-breezy way to make your favorite cup, without compromising.
Nothing epitomizes French luxury quite like staying in a castle. While Villa Le Castel might not be a castle in the traditional sense, it’s about as close as you’ll probably ever get. Located in the heart of Vallauris, a town renowned for its pottery and ceramics, Villa Le Castel is a magnificent villa that’s the perfect blend of comfort and opulence. The villa has six bedrooms, each with its own character, and the decor combines modern luxury with traditional elegance.